The Swiss Parliament convened for its winter session, tackling a wide range of critical national issues. Lawmakers voted on measures impacting retirement age workers, local media funding, and the future of the Invalidity Insurance (IV) system. New presidents were also elected for both the National Council and the Council of States, setting the legislative agenda for the coming year.
Key Takeaways
- National Council approved motions to increase AHV tax-free allowance for pensioners by 5,000 francs.
- Parliament decided to raise the share of media fees for local radio and TV stations to 6-8 percent.
- Lawmakers voted to strengthen the rights of individuals in IV assessments, allowing more influence over expert selection.
- Stefan Engler (The Centre, GR) was elected President of the Council of States, and Pierre-André Page (SVP, FR) became President of the National Council.
- The National Council rejected a motion to implement assisted suicide monitoring.
Supporting Older Workers and Pensioners
The National Council approved two motions aimed at encouraging older individuals to continue working. These measures seek to provide financial incentives for pensioners who remain in the workforce.
One key decision involved increasing the tax-free allowance for pensioners' income. The Council voted 130 to 60, with one abstention, to raise this allowance by 5,000 francs. This means the current 16,800 francs will increase to 21,800 francs.
Important Statistic
The AHV tax-free allowance for pensioners' income is set to increase from 16,800 francs to 21,800 francs, a rise of 5,000 francs.
This increase aligns with guidelines the Federal Council adopted in late November for the next major AHV revision. The goal is to promote employment beyond retirement age.
The second motion, passed with 129 votes to 62, calls for higher supplements for pensioners who defer their AHV benefits. This proposal also seeks to maintain current reduction rates or increase them for those who draw AHV benefits early. The Federal Council opposed this specific motion.
Addressing Workforce Needs
A majority within the National Council's commission views these flexibilization measures as a way to combat the current skilled worker shortage and reduce AHV expenditures. However, some members, like Samira Marti (SP/BL), expressed concern that such flexibility could force individuals to work longer to secure an adequate pension.
Strengthening Rights in Invalidity Insurance Assessments
The National Council voted to enhance the rights of individuals involved in Invalidity Insurance (IV) assessments. This move aims to give affected persons more say in the selection of expert evaluators.
With 121 votes to 62, the chamber supported a legislative change. This change proposes that the responsible IV office and the insured person should ideally agree on an expert. If an agreement is not reached, both parties would each name a specialist. These two experts would then jointly prepare the assessment.
"This is a serious issue that brings much suffering to many people," said Manuela Weichelt (Greens/ZG), speaking on behalf of the commission. She referenced past criticism regarding external expert firms.
The Federal Council unsuccessfully opposed this amendment, citing concerns about potentially longer processing times. The SVP also argued against the change, with Andreas Glarner (SVP/AG) stating that there is already a shortage of experts, and this problem would worsen. The Council of States will now consider the matter.
New Leadership for the Chambers
The winter session commenced with the election of new presidents for both parliamentary chambers. These elections mark a change in leadership for the upcoming year.
Stefan Engler (The Centre, GR) was elected President of the Council of States with a unanimous 44 out of 44 votes. He succeeds Andrea Caroni (FDP, AR). Werner Salzmann (SVP, BE) will serve as the First Vice President. Engler made headlines before his election by opting out of the traditional celebration in his home canton, saving approximately 150,000 francs. He stated a preference for engaging with the public throughout the year instead of a single event.
In the National Council, Pierre-André Page (SVP, FR) was elected president. He takes over from Maja Riniker (FDP, AG). Page, a master farmer, centered his presidential year motto on "Cultivating the Future."
Presidential Priorities
Pierre-André Page's presidential motto, "Let's cultivate the future!", emphasizes investing in youth, fostering innovation, and strengthening food and energy security.
He spoke in four languages, highlighting the importance of Switzerland's dual education system and expressing a wish for a successful Ice Hockey World Championship in Zurich and Fribourg. He also voiced a personal hope for his favorite team, HC Fribourg-Gottéron, to win the Swiss championship.
Funding for Local Media and Other Key Decisions
Local and regional radio and television broadcasters will receive a larger share of media fees. Parliament approved a proposal to increase their portion from the current 4-6 percent to 6-8 percent of the media fee revenue. This initiative revives elements of a media package that failed in a 2022 referendum.
- Assisted Suicide Monitoring: The National Council rejected a motion from the Council of States to collect statistical data on assisted suicides. Opponents argued that existing data collection on unusual deaths already provides sufficient information, and additional monitoring would not offer new insights.
- UKW Broadcasting: The National Council supports allowing radio stations to continue broadcasting via UKW beyond 2026. A narrow majority within the relevant Council of States commission also agrees, citing listener losses for SRG programs after UKW shutdown and the need for more time to transition to DAB+.
- Budget Debate: The budget debate is expected to be lively. Increased tax revenues from Geneva, estimated at around 290 million francs, provide more financial leeway than initially anticipated. Revenues of 90 billion francs are projected against expenditures of 90.8 billion francs.
Fiscal Allocations
The National Council's Finance Committee proposes allocating the additional funds from Geneva to unemployment insurance and the army. In contrast, the Council of States' committee suggests more money for poison control and agriculture, while cutting subsidies for night trains.
Future Legislative Challenges
Several other significant issues are on the parliamentary agenda, promising robust debate in the coming weeks.
The Council of States will discuss a relief package containing approximately sixty measures. This package aims to reduce the federal budget by 2.4 billion francs in 2027 and around 3 billion francs in 2028 and 2029. While conservative parties see a need for action, the measures remain controversial, with affected groups resisting contributions to federal financial relief. A public referendum is also a possibility, with left-green parties threatening to launch one.
Defense and Export Policies
The Federal Council seeks to give Swiss arms companies more flexibility in exporting defense goods. The Council of States approved this, wanting to go further by generally allowing exports to NATO countries involved in conflicts and permitting the re-export of war material to other states.
The National Council's commission now proposes that 15 Western countries could receive supplies from Switzerland even if they are involved in a war, largely waiving non-re-export declarations. Deliveries would be excluded if a country systematically and severely violates human rights. Left-green parties are threatening a referendum against these plans.
Drone Defense Urgency
Security policy commissions from both chambers are calling for the rapid acquisition of an effective drone and air defense system, noting that Switzerland currently cannot repel drone attacks similar to those seen recently in other European countries.
Lawmakers are also addressing the "No to a 10-million Switzerland" initiative. The relevant commission discussed immigration limitation methods, including an immigration fee and a constitutional safeguard clause. However, the majority rejected a counter-proposal, fearing it could jeopardize bilateral agreements and worsen the skilled worker shortage. The initiative is likely to go to a public vote without a parliamentary counter-proposal.
Other topics include regulating fur product imports, establishing a minor fee for non-emergency hospital visits, restricting loud fireworks, and creating better opportunities for debt-free living through a new insolvency procedure.